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River Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

Operating Technician I (River Pilot) is responsible for moving the barge fleet around the Mon River basin. This will include placing barges under and around the Coal Unloaders, which remove the coal ...

The Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot will oversee all crew onboard and is responsible for the safety of ... Ensure the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in various weather and river conditions.

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

The Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot will oversee all crew onboard and is responsible for the safety of ... Ensure the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in various weather and river conditions.

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

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River Boat Pilot information

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$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do river boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for river boat pilot in the United States is $144,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $230,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a river boat pilot do?

A typical day for a River Boat Pilot involves preparing the vessel for departure, reviewing weather and river conditions, plotting navigational routes, and remaining vigilant while guiding the vessel along designated waterways. Pilots frequently communicate with deckhands, engineers, and port authorities to ensure all safety protocols are followed and schedules are maintained. Throughout the day, you may also monitor onboard systems, make real-time navigational adjustments, and provide direction during docking or undocking. The work can involve variable hours, and duties often change based on the type of boat—whether it's a passenger tour vessel, ferry, or cargo barge—making adaptability essential.

How much money do river boat pilots make?

River boat pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. Experienced pilots with specialized certifications and skills in navigation and safety procedures tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and bonuses.

What is a river boat pilot?

A River Boat Pilot navigates boats and ships along inland waterways, such as rivers and lakes, ensuring safe passage for cargo, passengers, and crew. They are responsible for understanding water currents, weather conditions, and potential hazards to avoid accidents. Pilots must have extensive knowledge of their assigned waterways and often hold specialized licenses. Their duties also include communicating with other vessels, coordinating with dock personnel, and following maritime regulations.

How do you become a river boat pilot?

To become a river boat pilot, individuals typically need to obtain a license or certification from relevant maritime authorities, which involves completing specialized training, gaining experience in navigation and boat handling, and passing written and practical exams. Many pilots start as deckhands or mates to accumulate experience before advancing to pilot certification, which often requires a certain number of hours of navigation experience on inland waterways.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the river boat pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a River Boat Pilot, you need expert knowledge of river navigation, vessel handling, and local maritime laws, typically supported by a relevant license such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a pilot endorsement. Familiarity with tools like radar, GPS, electronic chart display systems, and radio communication equipment is crucial. Strong situational awareness, excellent decision-making skills, and effective communication are key soft skills for coordinating with crew and ensuring safety. These competencies are vital for safely navigating challenging river environments and providing reliable transportation or tour services.

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What cities are hiring for River Boat Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most River Boat Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of River Boat Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of River Boat Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most River Boat Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for River Boat Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching River Boat Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for River Boat Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various River Boat Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position Summary:

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains/pilots for our fleets and line boats. Experience is preferred but not required. TRS has a very aggressive training program for intercompany advancement.


Essential Job Functions:

  • Commands pushboat.
  • Commands pushboat while towing barges, ships, rigs and other vessels into and out of harbors, estuaries, straits, sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water.
  • Responsible for crew safety, vessel and tow operations through use of Terral RiverService, Inc safety practices and policies.
  • Occasionally supervises or assists workers on deck to rig towlines.
  • Determines course and towing speed on basis of specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, tides and current.
  • Steers pushboat to push or pull vessels to destination and to berth and un-berth ships avoiding reefs, outlying shoals, and other hazards to shipping.
  • Utilizes navigation devices, such as radar, sonic depth finder, compass and sextant and other aids to navigation, such as lighthouses and buoys
  • Directs and occasionally assists in placement of suction hose or siphon to pump water from hold of barge
  • Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work.
  • Ensuring all vessel personnel adhere to all U.S. Coast Guard and company policies
  • Occasionally supervises or assists in operation of all vessel equipment
  • Position is required to hold current license issued by U. S. Coast Guard as designated according to waters navigated and size of pushboat
  • Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required.
Requirements:

Experience, Skills, and Education:

  • At least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a TWIC.
  • Must have a current USCG Master of Towing Vessel license or higher.
  • Have a Radar endorsement or Radar Certification
  • Be CPR & 1st Aid Certified
  • Have proficient computer skills to include E-mail, internet browsers, and navigational systems Knowledge of the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Tenn-Tom, Tombigbee, Black Warrior, LMR, Red, Black, Ouachita, Atchafalaya, and/or GIWW rivers and waterways are highly preferred.
  • Must have dependable transportation to designated TRS locations, no exceptions. Must be able to work various hours/holidays/weekends.

Physical Requirements

  • Must pass "fit for duty" requirements upon job offer (pre-employment physical and drug test).
  • The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces.
  • Must be able to work in difficult conditions with exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, wind, heat, etc.).
  • Must be comfortable working aboard boats and barges.
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work at protected heights up to 40 feet.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Note: This job description provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry standards.


About Terral RiverService, Inc:

Terral RiverService (TRS) is a Family-owned business with a continually growing footprint of boats and barges throughout most of the inland waterway system of the US. We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the Mississippi River system, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the inland waterways of Louisiana and southern Arkansas. With our growing fleet of push boats, river barges, and modern dock operations strategically located throughout the Lower Mississippi River Valley, we are outfitted to transport, handle, and store virtually any commodity needed in the marketplace. TRS has over 600 employees and has operations in multiple states.